Operating table



Sept. 7, 1937. TALAS 2,092,266

OPERATING TABLE Filed May 3, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

A TTORNEYS.

Sept. 7, 1937. TALAS 2,092,266

OPERATING TABLE Filed May 5, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 /a7 B L. 3 11 6 IN V EN TOR.

A TTORNEYS.

L. TALAS OPERATING TABLE Sept. 7, 1937.

9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 3, 1934 Sept. 7, TALAs I 2,092,266

OPERATING TABLE Filed May 3, 1934 4 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 up H4 /76. la. M3

11v ENTOR.

A TTORNEYS.

Sept. 7, 1937. TALAS 2,092,266

' OPERATING TABLE Filed May 5, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 A TTORNEYS.

L. TALAS OPERATING TABLE Sept. 7, 1937.

Sept. 7, 1937 7 Filed May 5, 1934 L. TALAS 2,092,266

OPERATING TABLE 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 ATTORNEYS.

L. TALAS OPERATING TABLE Sept. 7, 193 7.

Filed May 3, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 IN V EN TOR.

A T TORNE YS.

Sgpt. 7, 1937. A A 2,092,266

OPERATING TABLE Filed May 3, 1934 9 Sheets-8119MB ,2; ,2 ad/w a INVENTOR.

M BY 725 6 A TTORNEYS.

Patented Sept. 7, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE OPERATING TABLE of Pennsylvania Application May 3, 1934, Serial No. 723,671

11 Claims.

The present invention is designed to improve operating tables used by surgeons. particularly with relation to the facility with which they may be-adjusted and locked in adjustment and in the simplicity and ruggedness of the construction.

In carrying forward the improvement in the facility of operation the base adjustments and the top adjustments may be accomplished from the head of the table. The table top is formed in sections and these several sections can be operated independently so that practically any com bination of adjustments may be readily accomplished. The tilting adjustments, both longitudinally and laterally are handled from the head-end of the table. The sectional adjustments and the lateral tilting are all actuated from a single actuator, selecting means being provided to afford such action. In the preferred form, which is exemplified, most of these selections are made independently of the operating wheel and indicated so that there can be no confusion and failure of desired response in the making of the several selections.

A head rest is provided which may be adjusted toward and from the table top and is readily de tachable. It is also pivotally mounted and locked in pivotal adjustment automatically. The means for actuating the lock are arranged at a. position permitting the operator with the single hand to manipulate the lock and the rest.

There is also provided a simple means for putting the weight of the table on free-running casters, or non-rolling supports so that it may be readily movable, or locked against movement, as desired.

Further features and details will appear from the specification and claims.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the operating table.

Fig. 2 an end elevation of the table.

Fig. 3 a section of the head rest on the line 3-3 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 a bottom view of thehead rest and its attachment.

Fig. 5 a section of the head rest and its attachment, on the line 55 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 a section of one of the side frames showing the operating shafts and gears for several adjustments, the section being on the line 6-6 in Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 a section on the line l-! in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 an enlarged view of one of the selecting clutches in the side frame.

Fig. 9 a section on the line 9-9 in Fig. 6.

Fig. 10 a section on the line ill-l0 in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 an elevation of a part of the selecting mechanism, the view being partly in section on the line I|--ll in Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 a similar view showing a position of the parts when moved for a difference in selection.

Fig. 13 an elevation, parts being removed showing a part of the selecting mechanism and the indicator of the selections.

Fig. 14 a view showing a portion of the selecting mechanism, partly in section, on the line l4l4 in Fig. 15.

Fig. 15 a section on the line |5 l5 in Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 a side elevation of one of the side frames with the closure plate removed.

Fig. 1'7 9. section on the line l'll'l in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the base.

Fig. 19 a section on the line I9l9 in Fig. 18.

. 20 a section on the line 2ll2ll in Fig. 19. 21 a section on the line 2|-2l in Fig. 19. 22 a section on the line 22-22 in Fig. 19.

Figs. 23 to show the various adjustments available in the operation of the table.

I marks the base, and 2 the swinging casters on which the base is mounted for easy movement. The casters have bearing portions 3 and operate on ball bearings 4.

Roller and non-roller supports for the base The non-roller feet 5 are carried by pins 6 (see Figs. 1, 18 and 19). These extend through a sleeve I forming the axial support for the casters. Levers 8 are pivoted on pins 9 secured in the base and these levers operate in notches I0 so that as the levers are operated the feet 5 are depressed, or raised. There are four of these levers, one for each corner of the base. They extend through slots II in the walls of sockets l2 and springs l3 operate on the levers to lift and hold the feet 5 in a free position. The ends of the levers have lips M which ride pins l5. These pins are arranged on the ends of a U-shaped lever l'6 (see Figs. 19 and 21), the arms of the lever being pivoted on pins II on the frame. A pedal extension 18 is pivotally mounted on the U-portion of the lever by a pin 19. The pedal lever l8 extends through a slot 20 (see Fig. 2) and is pressed to one side of that slot by a spring 2i compressed between a ing 22 on the lever l6 and the pedal l8. The slot 20 has a shoulder 23 so that when the pedal is depressed it snaps under the shoulder, under the influence of the spring 2| and is held in that position. In this position the casters, the lever I8 is tripped to the left so as to carry it out from under the shoulder 23. It immediately springs upward in the slot brinfluence of spring I3 and the feet are lifted clear of the floor leaving the weight on the casters.

Rotating pedestal and lock therefor A pedestal 24 has a cylindrical extension 25 which extends into an opening 28 in the base and permits of rotation of the pedestal relatively to the base. The pedestal is preferably carried by a ball bearing 21. A ring 28 is mounted on the lower end of the extension 25 and held in position thereon by a plate 29. This ring is locked against rotation relatively to the base by a pin 38 which extends upwardly into a socket 3| in the base. The ring 28 (see Figs. 18, 19 and 28) is split and is provided with lugs 32 at each end of the ring. A cam 33 is arranged on one of these ears and a bolt 34 extends through the ears. A pin 35 in the bolt operates on the cam 33. A foot lever 36 extends from the bolt and a spring 31 crowds the foot pedal upwardly and operates on the cam 33 to close the ring 28 and thus lock the pedestal against rotating.

Pedestal post and hydraulic lift A pump frame 38 is mounted on the top of the pedestal 24 and covered and oil sealed by a cap 39. The frame 38 has a post socket 48 in which a post 4| is slidingly mounted. The post extends through a guide bearing 42 in the cap 39 and is locked against rotation by a pin 43 which extends into a slot 44 in the post. A pump cylinder 45 is arranged in the frame 38 and is connected by a port 46 with the socket 48. It is also provided with a ported seat plate 41 on which operates a check valve 48. A spring 49 yieldingly closes the check valve. A plunger 58 operates in the pump cylinder. The plunger 58 has a series of openings 58a and these are closed by a valve 58b carried on a pin 58c extending from the link 58d. A sealing cup is secured to the bottom of the post so that as liquid is forced by the plunger through the check valve into the bottom of the socket the post is elevated. The plunger is connected by a link 58d with a rocker 52. The rocker is pivoted on brackets 53 (see Fig, 19) and is connected by a pin 54 with a rod 55. A yoke 56 is screwed on to the bottom of the rod 55 (see Fig. 22). A pedal lever 51 has hooked forks 58 which engage projections 56a on the yoke so as to reciprocate the rod. The lever 51 is pivoted on a pin 59 extending between brackets 68 on the face of the pedestal (see Figs. 2 and 19) A spring BI is arranged on the rod and is seated at one end of the frame 38 and on the opposite end on the yoke, thus giving ample length to permit of the reciprocating movement. The spring effects the return movement of the pedal and plunger in the pumping action. The lift operates in the manner common to devices of this kind. As the pedal is operated liquid is forced under the post and lifts it. When it is desired to release the post so as to permit the lower adjustment of the table, the pedal is depressed to the limit of its movement under which condition the pin 58c on the link 58d engages the pin 82 (see Fig. 19) of the valve 48 and holds it open so as to permit of a return flow of fluid.

General arrangement of table frame The table frame is provided with two boxshaped side members 83 and 83a (see Fig. 17). These frames are pivotally mounted on a yoke 64 by means of trunnions 85b surrounding a shaft '65 extending between the side frames. This connection on the shaft permits the longitudinal tilting of the frame. The yoke 84 is pivotally mounted by a pin 68 on the post 4| and this permits of the lateral swinging of the frame. Supporting posts 81 extend upwardly from the side frames and a section 88 of the table top is pivotally mounted on the tops of the posts 61 and secured there by a pin '99. The main portion of the table top has a back section 68, a seat section 18 and a foot section 12 (see Fig. 1). The sections 68 and 18 are pivotally secured by a hinge at 1| and the sections 18 and 12 by a hinge 12a. Rocking supporting arms 13 engage the back section 88 and are mounted on a shaft 14, the rotation of the shaft swinging the arms and effecting an adjustment of this section. The ends of the arms are forked (see Fig. '7) and straddle a slotted plate 15a. Rollers 15 are carried by the arms 13 between the forks and operate in the slot of the plate 15a. The shaft 14 is joumaled in bearings 14a formed in brackets 141) secured to the inner walls of the side frames. An identical structure is arranged for the seat portion, the rocking arms 18 operating in slotted plates 88 and being supported on a rock shaft 19 which is mounted in the same manner as the arms 13 and as shown in Fig. '7. A link 8| is pivotally secured by a pin 82 with a bracket 83 on the rear of the foot section 12. The link 8| extends to a nut 84 (Fig. 16) A screw 85 operates in the nut 84. This screw has one end journaled in a bearing 86 on a bracket 81 secured in the side frame 83a and its opposite end journaled in the walls of the frame at 88. By the operation of this screw the foot section may be elevated, or lowered, as desired. The shafts 14 and 19 and the screw may, in the present mechanism, be selectively operated and consequently each of the sections selectively and independently operated.

Actuating selectively the table sections The hub 89 of the operating wheel 98 carries longitudinal slots 9| (see Fig, 9). Pins 92 extend radially through these slots and are mounted in a clutch cam ring 94, the ring being slidingly mounted on shaft 91. The pins 92 extend into an annular groove in cam ring 83 slidingly mounted on hub 89, one end of the clutch ring 94 being adapted to lock with a sleeve 95 and the opposite end to lock with a part locked with the operating wheel hereinafter described. The ring 94 and sleeve 95 are mounted on a sleeve 91 and this sleeve is journaled in bearings 98 in the frame. The sleeve 95 is connected with a worm 99, the thrust of the worm being sustained by a ball bearing I88. The worm meshes with a gear IM and this gear is locked by a spline and groove connection I82 with a shaft I83. The shaft I83 is arranged in and lengthwise of the side 83 (see Fig. 6) and is adapted through its endwise movement to selectively connect with mechanism operating the rock arms 13 and 18 and the lateral tilting mechanism for the frame.

Selecting drive shaft and its connections The shaft I83 is carried in bearings I84 and I85 in the frame. A clutch member I88 is slidingly mounted on the shaft I83. A spline I81 is set in the shaft and operates in a spline groove in the clutch member I88, the end I88 of the groove limiting the endwise movement of the shaft relathe clutch member 106.

The clutch member is adapted to lock with a sleeve I09 which is journaled in a bearing IIO secured in the frame. The sleeve I09 is adapted to communicate movement to a worm III. The wormIII meshes with a worm gear II2 on the shaft I4 so that when the clutch member I06 is in set position the shaft I4 is rotated by the shaft I03 and the arms I3 may be lifted, or depressed, and consequently lift, or lower, the back section of the table.

A gear H3 is fixed on the clutch member I06 and is moved endwise with the shaft I03 into mesh:with a gear ll4. The gear I I4 is carried by a shaft H5 and this is journaled in bearings II5a,1'n the frame. A worm I I6 is fixed on the shaft II 5 and meshes with a gear IIBa on the shaft '65 (see Fig. 17). A screw II! is arranged on the central part of the shaft 65 and this screw operates in a'nut H0. The nut is swiveled in a fork H9. The fork extends from a pin I20 slidingly' mounted in a socket I2I in the top of the post 4|. It will readily be seen that as the gear II 3 is rotated by the shaft I03 it rotates, if in mesh, the gear I I4 and through the train of gears just described and the screw II'I moves the shaft through the nut I I8 and swings the yoke 84 so as to laterally tilt the frame of the table.

The further movement of the shaft I03 toward the right, (see Fig. 6) moves the gear II3 out of mesh with the gear II4. A clutch sleeve I22 is mounted on the shaft I03 and locked thereon by a spline I23 in exactly the same manner as is A spring M611 is arranged aroundthe shaft between the clutch members 506 and I22 and yieldingly holds them at the limit of their movement. The sleeve I22 engages as the shaft I03 is moved toward the right a connecting sleeve I24 which is'mounted in a bearing I25 in the frame. The connecting sleeve I24 communicates the movement of the clutch member I22 to a worm I2'6. The worm meshes with a gear I21 on the shaft I9 and through its rotation communicates motion from the drive shaft I03 to the shaft I9 and thus rocks the arms 18 to raise and lower the seat section of the table. From this it will'be seen that by thefrotation'of"theshaft each of these move'' ments, namely the adjustment of the'back and seat sections and the lateral tilting, are accomplished by the rotation of the shaft I03 and the selection of the part'to be actuated is accomplished by the endwise movement of the shaft I03.

Selecting mechanism for the back and seat sectior'zs and lateral tilting mechanism In the present mechanism the part to be operated is selected by the person operating the table prior to the operation of'the setting wheel 90. This gives certainty to' theselection and avoids confusion. A handle I28 (see Figs. 9 and 14) operates over a segment I29. The handle has a latch I30 with a grip 'I3I which can be readily grasped with the handle I28. The latch has a detent end adapted to seat in openings I32, I33, I34, I35 in'the segment so as to adjust the handle in four diiferent points of selection. These positions may be termed the first, second, third and fourth positions of the handle and the selections are indicated in these positions as in Fig; 13 the first'selecting the mechanism for actuating the back of the table, the second selecting mechanism for thelateral tilting of the table, the third for selecting the seat portion of the table, and the fourth for actuating the mechaattention.

one adjustment is simply moved to the next adnism for actuating the foot section of the table hereinafter described. The lever I28 is journaied on the sleeve 91 (see Fig. 9) and carries a gear segment I38. The gear I36 meshes with a rack I31 slidingly mounted in a guide-way I3'Ia. The rack carries a fork I88 which straddles the shaft I03 (see Figs. 6 and 15) and is locked against axial movement relatively to the shaft by collars I39 fixed on the shaft. The end of the rack is roundand is provided with spiral grooves I40.

Radial pins I extend from the inside of gears I42 into the spiral grooves so that as the rack is operated the gear I42 is rotated through this pin and groove connection. The gear I42 meshes with an intermediate gear I43 (see Figs. 13 and 15) and the gear I43 meshes with a gear I44 mounted on asleeve I45 (see Figs. 6 and 15). An indicating finger I46 is fixed with the gear I44 and oscillates over an indicator I" having the different positions, back, lateral, seat and foot, indicating the various selections (see Fig. 13) In the operation, therefore, the operator grasps the handle'l28, moves it to the position indicating the proper selection on the indicator, locks the handle through the latch and then operates the operating wheel 90 so as to adjust the part selected, as desired. I

Selecting mechanism for the foot section with it the arm I 48. The arm I48 extends from a H cam ring I49, which is mounted on a hub I50a carried on a plate I 50 extending into the housing 63, and through a slot I48a in-a housing I482). The ring has cam lugs I5I which operate on cam surfaces I52 on the ring 93 so that as the ring I49 is swung, it forces the ring 93 endwise toward the right. This carries the locking sleeve 94 into engagement with a head I56 mounted in the wheel hub and locked with a shaft I58 by means of a key I51- In order to effect a release of the locking sleeve 94 springs I53 are arranged on screws I54 which extend through ears I55 in the ring 93, these springs yieldingly pressing the ring 93 toward the left and thus effecting a release when the cam ring I49 is released by the handle I28. A helical gear I59 (see Fig. 16) is mounted on the shaft I58 and meshes with a gear I60 fixed on the shaft 85 so that when the clutch member 94 is moved by the selecting memher into engagement at the right, in Fig. 14, the

wheel 90 operates through the intermediate mechanism, the screw shaft 85 and with it the nut 84 so as to actuate the foot section. Inorder tached (see Fig. 10) which returns the cam ring when released.

Self locking of adjustments It will be noted that in each of the selecting adjustments there is in the connection screws or worms which have a pitch which lock the parts in the adjustment to which they are set. Consequently the operator merely makes the selected adjustment and-the locking requires no added The selecting handle after making justment, if one is to be made, and it is completed and another setting, or selection made, if desired.

The frame, as before stated, is pivoted on the shaft 88 (see Fig. 17). A gear segment I88 (Fig. 16) is fixed on the yoke 88. A worm I84 meshes with the gear segment and is fixed on a shaft I 88. The shaft I88 is journaled in a bracket I88 securedto the frame. The shaft I88 is connected through a universal I81 with a shaft I88. The shaft I88 extends into bearings I18 carried by the frame. A beveled gear III is fixed on the end of the shaft I88 and meshes with a beveled gear I12. The beveled gear I12 is fixed on a shaft I18. The shaft I18 is journaled in a bearing Ill and a hand wheel I18 (see Figs. 2 and 6) is pro-. vided for operating this shaft. The operating wheel I18 is fixed on the shaft I18 and by means of this the framemay be tilted longitudinally siv multaneously with the lateral tilting, or with the sections in horizontal position crosswise. It will be noted that this operating-wheel I15 is at the head end of the table and mounted on the table frame itself so that it is readily accessible to the operator (usually the nurse) at the head of the table so that the operator may accomplish the tilting of the table without leaving her station. The pitch of the worm connection is such that any adjustment made is automatically locked through the friction of the engaging surfaces of the worm connection at the cessation of the movement of the operating wheel.

Head rest A head rest I'IBis fixed on a shaft in and the are adapted to engage similar detents on locking sleeves I88. The sleeves are slidably mounted on the shaft Ill but rotatively locked thereon by a spline and groove mechanism I84. Links I88 connect the sleeves I 83 with an oscillating head I81. The head is fixed on the end of an operating shaft I88 and this shaft is mounted in bearings I88 on the under-side of the head rest. A spring I88 extends around the shaft I88 and has one end locked with the head rest and the opposite end locked with a collar I8I fixed on the shaft I88. The spring tends to rotate the shaft so as to rotate the head I81 and through the links I88 force the locking sleeves I83 into engagement with the locking faces I82 so as to automatically hold, or self-lock the head rest in any tilting adjustment. A handle I82 is fixed on the shaft I88 directly at the end of the head rest where it may be readily grasped by the operator so as to unlock the head rest. The position of this handle is such that the operator with the same hand that grasps the handle can swing the head rest to the adjusted position desired and swing the handle to locked position. Thus the operator may effect this adjustment while using the other hand with some duty with relation to the patient.

It may be desirable to shift the head rest vertically. To this end the brackets I18 may be made plished. This is so by reason of the fact that each movement may be selectively accomplished to place a part controlled in exactly the desired position.

Figs. 23 to 35 show the many adjustments which may be accomplished. The back and seat may be adjusted up, or down, by the selective mechanism controlled at the first and third set positions of the selecting handle. Consequently they may be set to any of the several adjustments indicated in these figures, as desired. Likewise the foot section may be adjusted with theselecting handle put at the fourth position. Consequently the foot section may be adjusted up, or'

down, to any position desired and these positions of the sections of the table may be accomplished selectively regardless of whether there is a'lateral tilting, or a longitudinal tilting of the table. The several positions which are charted indicate those that are commonly used in surgical operations and will be readily recognized by those familiar with this art. The rapidity with which these adjustments may be made, particularly in emergencies, and by the operator at the head station of the table, adds to the safety and facility with which the operations may be performed. While adjustments of most tables may be accomplished in advance with the present structure any of these adjustments may, in an emergency, be instantly accomplished and with perfect safety and nicety. The operating parts are very largely concealed, are rugged in their construction and are safely locked in each adjusted position, in fact, the operator cannot by any possible carelessness permit of an accidental release of any section from a position to which it is adjusted. Nor can there be any failure in the operation of the controlling wheel by reason of an outward, or inward pull, or release of the wheel as the selected connection is made independently of the operating wheel.

What I claim as new is:- 1. In an operating table, the combination of a support; a top comprising back, seat and foot sections mounted on the support, each section being adjustable relatively to the support and each of the other sections; means for tilting the table; and means for selectively adjusting each of said sections and tilting the table from a a support; a table top comprising a plurality of sections mounted on the support and adjustable relatively thereto and to each other; means for effecting a plurality of adjustments of the top; a shaft and gear mechanism efiecting said adjustments from a single actuator handle; and se- 4. In an operating table, the combination of a support; a table top mounted on the" support and comprising tilting sections pivotally mounted; a rock arm connected with one of the sections and tilting it through the action of the arm; a shaft on which the arm is mounted; and self-locking means rocking the shaft to adjust the section. 5. In an operating table, the combination of a table top comprising connected tilting sections;

oppositely inclined rock arms actuating the sections; shafts on which the rock arms are mounted; and means selectivelyyactuating the shafts comprising an actuating shaft; gear connections between the actuating shaft and the rock shafts, selective mean's-iorthe gears; and means actuating the actuating shaft 6,- Inan' operating. table, the[combiiiation of f a support';-' a toplcompifising back, -seat "and 1 foot sectionsmmnited-on the supper-teach sectionbe'g. .ing adjustable;relatively'jto}the support anduach.

of the other sections; ineans for-I. tilting the table on 'acrosswise axis? and for selectiyely rt ions 'iandtilting-the f the top, comprising a selecting mechanism for adjusting a h q sa e table-fronia single actuator '7. In an operating:table; theicombination of a support; a tabletop comprisingback; seat and 1 foot sections mounted on:the'support,-each section being adjustablefirelatively to'the support and each of the other s'ectionsgan actuator and means operated by 'the factuator for efiecting an adjustment of each'sectioni-comprising,a select ing mechanism for setting themeans to actuate each section, operableito .efiect'the selection in- I dependently of any' movementlof the actuaton 8'. In an operating'table, the combination of a support; a table top comprising-backseat, and

adjustment of each section; comprising a selectting mechanism for setting the means to actuate each section, operable to efiect the selection independently of any movement of the actuator; and an indicator indicating the selection.

' 9. In an operating table; the combination of a tiltable support; a table top-comprising back, seat and foot sections mounted on' the support, each section being adjustablerelatlvely to the support and each of the other sections; an actuator and means operated by the actuator for effecting adjustments of each sectiorrand tilting the top, comprising a selecting mechanism for ,setting the means to actuate; each section and the tilting of the top, operable to efiect the selection independently of any movement-of the actuator. v v

1.0. In anoperating table, the, combination of a tiltable'support; a table top comprising back, seat and foot sections mounted on the support, .each; section beingadjustable; relatively to the supportand 'eachof theother sections; an actuator and means operated by the actuator for eifecting adjustments of-each section and tilting )setting the means to actuate each-sectionand actuator; andanjindicator indicating the selection. v

11. In an operating table jthe combination of .a support; a table top comprising. two sections rpivotally mounted'on the support; a rock arm connected to each of the sections and tilting it through the action oflthe arm; shafts on which "the rock arms'are "mounted; and self-locking meansro'cking the shafts to adjust the sections. foot sections mounted-on the 'support',=each'sec- I tionbeing adjustable relatively to the'support 1 LOUIS TALAS.

and-each of the other sections; an actuator and A means operated by the actuatorjor efiecting an 

